Tracker support system for solar sensor

ABSTRACT

Tracker support system ( 1 ) for solar sensor comprising:—a fixed structure ( 2 ) for anchoring to the ground exhibiting several anchoring points ( 21 ) defining an anchoring plane and separated from one another by distances termed ground prints, including a larger ground print distance (DE) established between at least two anchoring points ( 21 ); and—a movable structure ( 3 ) comprising:—a first armature ( 4 ) mounted rotatably on the fixed structure ( 2 ) according to a vertical axis of rotation (AV); and—a second armature ( 5 ) defining a support plane for the solar sensors and mounted rotatably on the first armature ( 4 ) according to a horizontal axis of rotation (AH) extending to a distance termed the zenith height from the anchoring plane; said tracker support system ( 1 ) being noteworthy in that the ratio of the largest ground print distance (DE) to the zenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8 to 1.2.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a solar collector tracker supportsystem. It more particularly relates to a tracker support system thatcan be oriented along two axes of rotation, a horizontal axis ofrotation for a rotation making it possible to track the sun as it risesand lowers, and a vertical axis of rotation for a rotation making itpossible to track the sun from East to West, respectively.

BACKGROUND

The subject-matter of the invention falls within the field of trackersupport systems, also called solar trackers, with two axes, in otherwords which can be oriented in terms of azimuth and elevation.

The invention is applicable in solar trackers with two axes supportingsolar collectors, in particular of the following types:

-   -   photovoltaic solar panel integrating photovoltaic cells        converting the solar radiation into electricity;    -   concentration photovoltaic solar panel integrating optical        systems for concentrating the solar radiation, such as Fresnel        lenses, magnifying glass or mirror, making it possible to cause        the solar radiation to converge toward photovoltaic cells, for        example such as high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar        panels or low concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) solar panels;    -   solar panels converting solar radiation into heat energy;    -   mirror panel reflecting the solar radiation toward a solar        receiver, such as a boiler placed at the top of a tower in an        all-solar application or such as a Stirling engine in a “Dish        Stirling” system with a parabolic mirror panel.

In the field of solar trackers with two axes, it is known, in particularfrom document WO 2009/147454, to provide a tracker support systemcomprising a stationary single pillar anchored in the ground and amoving structure including two arms rotated along the vertical axis ofrotation using a first motorized gear motor unit positioned at the endof the single pillar. The tracker support system also integrates asecond structure that is rotatable in terms of elevation and bearing thesolar collectors.

These single pillar tracker support systems thus have a relatively smallground print dimension, in this case equivalent to the diameter of thesingle pillar, which therefore limits the surface area of the solarcollectors that can be supported. In fact, as the surface area of thesolar panels increases, the influence of the wind increases as well.Under the action of the wind, the solar panels exert a torque effectoften exceeding 170,000 Nm (newton meter) at the anchoring point of thesingle pillar in the ground.

To resolve this issue when the solar collector surface area reachesvalues greater than or equal to approximately 50 m², traditionally, aconcrete boot is used in which the single pillar is anchored, with thedrawbacks of making the assembly and disassembly operations more complexand expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention aims to resolve this drawback by proposing atracker support system for a solar tracker that makes it possible toprovide anchoring in the ground without a concrete boot, while making itpossible to achieve solar collector surface areas greater than or equalto approximately 50 m².

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system fora solar tracker that is quick and easy to assemble, while favoring theuse of standard parts.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system fora solar tracker that offers a ratio between the steel mass used and thesurface area of the solar collectors that is less than 25 kg of steelper square meter of solar collector, thereby facilitating the handlingand placement operations.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system fora solar tracker that makes it possible to achieve a safety threshold ofapproximately 70 km/h, that safety threshold corresponding to the windspeed beyond which an automatic securing system is activated to flattenthe solar collectors, i.e., to make them horizontal.

To that end, the invention proposes a tracker support system for a solarcollector, of the type that can be oriented along two axes of rotation,i.e., a vertical axis of rotation and a horizontal axis of rotation,respectively, and comprising:

-   -   a fixed ground anchoring structure exhibiting several ground        anchoring points, said ground anchoring points defining a ground        anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation and        being separated from one another in the ground anchoring plane        by predetermined distances called ground prints, including a        larger ground print distance established between at least two        anchoring points that are furthest apart; and    -   a movable structure comprising:        -   a first framework mounted rotatably on the fixed structure            along the vertical axis of rotation; and        -   a second framework defining a support plane for the solar            collectors and mounted rotatably on the first framework            along the horizontal axis of rotation, said horizontal axis            of rotation extending to a predetermined distance, called            the zenith height, from the anchoring plane;            said tracker support system according to the invention being            remarkable in that the ratio of the largest ground print            distance to the zenith height is included in a span ranging            from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8            to 1.2.

From a mechanical perspective, the solution proposed by this trackersupport system is particularly advantageous, as it proposes to monitorthe ratio between the largest ground print distance and the zenithheight to guarantee a robust architecture, suitable for ground anchoringof the support meeting the constraints due to wind and gravity withsolar collector surface areas greater than or equal to approximately 50m², this ratio of approximately from 0.5 to 1.5 in particular making itpossible to reach acceptable traction and compression strains for theground anchoring means.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixed structureis made up of a pylon having feet on which the anchoring points areprovided and extending over a predetermined height from the groundanchoring plane, the ratio of said height of the pylon to the zenithheight being comprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 0.9, and preferablyin a span ranging from 0.7 to 0.8.

Such a ratio between the height of the pylon and the zenith heightguarantees sufficient stiffness for the expected results, i.e., theability to bear solar collectors with large surface areas withhigh-performance ground anchoring.

Preferably, the pylon has:

-   -   four feet separated from each other and defining the four        corners of a rectangle or square, said feet having respective        lower ends defining four ground anchoring points; and    -   a mast topping said feet, which extend toward the outside of the        mast.

Such a configuration has the advantages of considerable groundstability, which guarantees mechanical strength of the fixed structure,allowing an increased surface area of the solar collectors.

According to one possibility of the invention, the pylon is made up ofan assembly of metal profiles, typically of the angle iron type, havinga length smaller than approximately 3 m, a transverse section whereofthe dimensions are smaller than approximately 150 mm by 150 mm,preferably smaller than approximately 100 mm by 100 mm.

These metal profiles have the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs,in particular by selecting profiles that are commercially available, forexample such as the angle irons used for transmission towers.

It is of course advantageous for the moving structure and/or the firstframework and/or the second framework also to be made up of an assemblyof such metal profiles.

Advantageously, the metal profiles are assembled by screwing, bolting orriveting, thereby ensuring quick and easy assembly.

In the second embodiment, the fixed structure includes a ring gear onwhich the first framework is rotatably mounted along the vertical axisof rotation, and several feet distributed on the periphery of the ring,in particular regularly, defining ground anchoring points and providedto fix anchoring members.

According to one feature, the second framework includes a platformdefining the support plane for the solar collectors and at least two guyropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation, eachguy rope extending substantially orthogonally to said support plane andhaving a part fixed on the platform and at least one free end connectedto the platform using connections, in particular of the tension rope,rigid rod or metal profile type.

Using such guy ropes has the advantage of limiting the deformations ofthe platform, considerable rigidity of the platform being particularlyadvantageous for the large surface areas of solar collectors, and inparticular for concentration photovoltaic solar panels.

The presence of such guy ropes thereby makes it possible to have aplatform with a width two times larger than the depth, which makes itpossible to limit the torque effect due to the effect of the wind on theplatform at the ground anchoring.

According to another feature, each guy rope extends on either side ofthe platform and has two opposite free ends connected to the platformusing connections, each guy rope having a central part fixed on theplatform.

In this way, the rigidifying effect of the guy ropes on the platform isincreased.

In one particular embodiment, the at least two guy ropes comprise twopairs of guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis ofrotation.

Thus, two guy ropes are provided on both sides of the platform, i.e., atotal of at least four guy ropes that contribute to increasing thestiffness of the platform.

Advantageously, the second framework includes a platform defining thesupport plane of the solar collectors and which comprises:

-   -   at least two sidepieces substantially parallel to the horizontal        axis of rotation and rotatably mounted on the first framework;        and    -   several beams extending between the sidepieces, fixed on said        sidepieces and designed to bear the solar collectors.

Using these sidepieces and beams guarantees the production of a platformthat is quick and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the guy ropes can befixed on said sidepieces.

In one particular embodiment, the tracker support system furthercomprises anchoring members, preferably at least three anchoringmembers, configured to cooperate with the ground anchoring points toanchor the fixed structure in the ground, said ground anchoring members,in particular of the screw, pile, rod or peg type, being designed topenetrate the ground and anchor the tracker support system.

The architecture of the tracker support system is particularly wellsuited to these anchoring members, since it makes it possible to havetraction/compression strains below 40,000 N on the anchoring members,thereby ensuring effective anchoring for large solar collector surfaceareas.

The present invention relates to the feature by which the firstframework includes at least two arms secured to each other and rotatablymounted on the fixed structure, the use of these two arms making itpossible to limit the deformation of the support plane of the solarcollectors, under the effect of the wind and the weight of the solarcollectors.

Preferably, the two arms form a V-shaped structure.

This V-shaped structure makes it possible to separate the ring gearsectors and thereby optimize the deflected curves on the secondframework. In other words, with such a V-shaped structure, it isadvantageously possible to decrease the bending on the second frameworkand thereby lighten the weight of the tracker system.

According to one feature, the first framework includes two supportsfixed on the upper ends of the two arms, respectively, and each having afirst bearing and a second bearing in which the transmission shaft andthe corresponding ring gear sector are respectively rotatably mounted.

Thus, the transmission shaft is rotatably mounted in the first bearingsof the supports and the ring gear sectors are rotatably mounted in thesecond bearings of the corresponding supports, these supportsguaranteeing the structural cohesion and mechanical strength of theassembly to limit the risks of torsion of the second framework.

In one particular embodiment, the tracker support system comprises amotorized system for rotating the first framework along the verticalaxis of rotation, including:

-   -   a casing securely mounted on the first framework;    -   a rotary engine mounted in the casing and rotating an output        shaft;    -   a worm screw secured in rotation to the output shaft of the        rotary engine; and    -   an annular gear wheel fixed on the fixed structure and in mesh        with the worm screw.

Such a motorized system thereby makes it possible to perform thevertical rotation function with a reduced bulk.

According to one particular embodiment, the tracker support systemcomprises a motorized system for rotating the second framework along thehorizontal axis of rotation, including:

-   -   two ring gear sectors positioned on either side of the vertical        axis of rotation and extending in two planes orthogonal to the        horizontal axis of rotation, said ring gear sectors being fixed        on the second framework;    -   two drive pinions positioned on either side of the vertical axis        of rotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear        sectors;    -   a transmission shaft rotatably mounted on the first framework        and supporting the two drive pinions for synchronous rotation of        said drive pinions; and    -   a rotary engine rotating said transmission shaft and mounted on        the first framework.

This motorized system for driving horizontal rotation is particularlyadvantageous to stabilize the rotation of the second framework with itscentral transmission shaft, and thereby guarantee high-precisiontracking of the sun, which is particularly essential for concentrationphotovoltaic solar panels. Furthermore, the coupling of the pinions bythe transmission shaft makes it possible to rigidify the secondframework and avoid torsion thereof under the effect of non-uniformpressure from the wind.

Advantageously, the horizontal axis of rotation is separated from thevertical axis of rotation by a predetermined distance such that thesecond framework can be moved into a position in which the support planeis vertical.

Such a possibility is particularly suitable, or even essential, forconcentration photovoltaic solar panels.

The invention also relates to a solar assembly including a trackersupport system according to the invention, and solar collectorssupported by the second framework of the tracker support system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear uponreading the detailed description below, of two non-limiting exampleembodiments, done in reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective front view of a first trackersupport system according the invention, with the platform inclinedrelative to the vertical axis of rotation;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective back view of the first trackersupport system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of part of the first trackersupport system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of another part of the firsttracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view of a motorizedsystem for rotating the first framework along the vertical axis ofrotation of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the first tracker support systemof FIGS. 1 and 2, with the platform inclined by a non-zero anglerelative to the vertical axis of rotation;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the first tracker support systemof FIGS. 1 and 2, with the platform parallel to the vertical axis ofrotation;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second tracker supportsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the second trackersupport system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic front view illustrating the second trackersupport system of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the fixedstructure and the lower part of the first framework of the movingstructure of the second tracker support system of FIGS. 8 and 9; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view from a different angleillustrating the motorized system for rotating the second framework ofthe moving structure of the second tracker support system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is done in reference to FIGS. 1 to 7for a first tracker support system 1, and in reference to FIGS. 8 to 12for a second tracker support system 1, for a solar tracker according tothe invention, these tracker support systems 1 being able to be orientedalong two axes of rotation, i.e., a vertical axis of rotation AV and ahorizontal axis of rotation AH.

The rest of this description therefore pertains to embodiments of atracker support system 1 according to the invention, in which theelements or members that are structurally or functionally identical orsimilar are designated using identical numerical references.

Each tracker support system 1 comprises a fixed ground anchoringstructure 2.

In reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the fixed structure 2 of the first trackersupport system 1 is made up of a pylon having four feet 20 separatedfrom each other and defining the four corners of a rectangle or square,and a mast 22 topping said feet 20, the feet 20 extending toward theoutside of the mast 22.

The pylon 2 is made up of an assembly of metal profiles having a lengthsmaller than approximately 3 m, and a transverse section whereof thedimensions are smaller than approximately 100 mm by 100 mm, said metalprofiles being assembled by screwing, bolting or riveting. Preferably,these metal profiles are made up of angle irons, with an L-shapedtransverse section, widely marketed and commercially available.

The lower ends 21 of the feet 20 constitute ground anchoring points,said anchoring points 21 defining a ground anchoring plane orthogonal tothe vertical axis of rotation AV; said pylon 2 extends over apredetermined height HP from the ground anchoring plane.

In reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, the fixed structure of the second trackersupport system 1 includes a base 23 in the form of a circular ring gear23, the teeth being formed on the outer perimeter of the ring 23, andseveral feet 24 fixed on the bottom of the ring 23. These feet 24constitute ground anchoring points, said anchoring points 24 defining aground anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation AV.

In reference to FIG. 11, the height and length—measured radially—of eachfoot 24 can be adjusted, so as to facilitate fixing of the ring 23 onthe upper end of anchoring members 9 (described below) already pushedinto the ground, as well as adjustments to the horizontality of the ring23. To that end, each foot 24 includes:

-   -   a mechanical cylinder 25, with an adjustable height, on the        upper part of which the ring 23 rests, by means of a tab 27        secured to the ring 23;    -   a plate 26 having an oblong opening inside which the lower part        of the mechanical cylinder 25 is engaged, such that it is        possible to slide the cylinder 25 along said opening, which        extends radially relative to the vertical axis of rotation AV,        which makes it possible to offset the positioning defects of the        anchoring members 9.

The ring 23 is thus secured to several identical fastening tabs 27,which protrude outside the ring 23 and are angularly separated from eachother, thereby making it possible to fix the ring 23 on the ground usinga number of fixing members suitable for the nature of the ground.

In both embodiments, the anchoring points 21, 24 are thus separated fromeach other in the anchoring plane by predetermined distances, calledground print distances, including a largest ground print distance DEestablished between the two anchoring points that are furthest apart. Inthe first embodiment, this largest ground print distance DE isestablished between two lower ends 21 situated at two opposite cornersof the rectangle or square, along a rectangle or square diagonal. In thesecond embodiment, this largest ground print distance DE is establishedbetween two feet 24 positioned diametrically opposite on the ring 23.

Each tracker support system 1 also comprises anchoring members 9 thatcooperate with the anchoring points 21, 24 to anchor the fixed structure2 in the ground. These anchoring members 9 are of the screw, pile, rodor peg type, and are thus designed to penetrate the ground and anchorthe tracker support system 1. To that end, the anchoring members 9 aresecurely fixed on the lower ends 21 of the feet 20, or on the tabs 27described above.

As an example, each anchoring member 9 is of the screw type and includesan upper cylindrical portion, for example tubular, that extends in theextension of a slender inner portion provided with a helical projection(not shown) forming the screw pitch. As an example, the anchoringmembers 9 may have a length HE close to 1.5 m or 2 m, or even greaterthan those values.

Each tracker support system 1 further comprises a moving structure 3rotatably mounted on the fixed structure 2 along the vertical axis ofrotation AV. In the first embodiment, the moving structure 3 isrotatably mounted on the upper end of the pylon 2, and more specificallyon the upper end of the mast 22, while in the second embodiment, themoving structure 3 is rotatably mounted on the ring 23.

Each moving structure 3 comprises a first framework 4 rotatably mountedon the fixed structure 2, whether on the upper end of the mast 22 of thepylon 2 or on the ring 23, along the vertical axis of rotation AV.

In both embodiments, the first framework 4 includes two arms 40 that aresymmetrical relative to the vertical axis of rotation AV, where:

-   -   in the first embodiment, the arms 40 are each made up of an        assembly of metal profiles of the same type as those forming the        pylon 2;    -   in the second embodiment, the arms 40 are each made up of an        assembly of two beams including two inner ends separated from        each other and rotatably mounted on the ring 23, and upper ends        that are substantially joined and secured to each other using a        yoke 50.

In each embodiment, the two arms 40 are secured to each other movingaway from the vertical axis of rotation AV to form a V-shaped structure.In other words, the arms 40 are inclined relative to said vertical axisof rotation AV, such that their respective projections in the horizontalanchoring plane extend partially outside the projection, in that sameplane, of the ground print of the anchoring members 9.

In the first embodiment, to ensure the rotation of the first framework 4around the vertical axis of rotation AV, the tracker support system 1comprises a motorized system 41, illustrated in detail in FIG. 5,including:

-   -   a casing 42 securely mounted on the first framework 4;    -   a rotary engine (not shown in FIG. 5) mounted in the casing 42        and rotating an output shaft 43;    -   a worm screw 44 secured in rotation to the output shaft 43 of        the rotary engine; and    -   an annular gear wheel 45 fixed on the upper end of the mast 22        of the pylon 2 and in mesh with the worm screw 44.

In the second embodiment, to ensure the rotation of the first framework4 around the vertical axis of rotation AV, the tracker support system 1comprises a motorized system 91, illustrated in detail in FIG. 11,including:

-   -   a triangular frame 92 essentially comprising three beams or        profiles 93 that are substantially identical and connected to        each other in pairs;    -   platens 94 fixed to each corner of the frame 92, at the        junctions of the profiles 93, where the lower ends of the beams        making up the arms 40 are fixed by bolting on those platens 94;    -   rolling members 95, in particular of the wheel or roller type,        mounted freely rotating at each corner of the frame 92, where        said rolling members 95 bear on a horizontal roll band 28        provided on the inner perimeter of the ring 23, such that the        frame 92 rests on that circular roll band 28 integrated into the        ring 23 by the three rolling members 95, so that said frame 92        is arranged to roll on the ring 23 and thus pivot around the        vertical axis of rotation AV;    -   a rotary engine 96 fixed on the frame 92 by means of a bracket        98, and rotating a pinion 97 in mesh with the outer teeth of the        ring 23.

In both embodiments, the moving structure 3 also comprises a secondframework 5 designed to bear the solar collectors (not shown) androtatably mounted on the two arms 40 of the first framework 4 along thehorizontal axis of rotation AH; said horizontal axis of rotation AHextending at a predetermined distance, called zenith height HZ, from theanchoring plane, in other words from the anchoring points 21, 24.

Each second framework 5 includes a platform 6 defining a support planeof the solar collectors, said platform 6 comprising:

-   -   two sidepieces 60 parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation        AH, extending symmetrically on either side of the vertical axis        of rotation AV, positioned one above the other, and rotatably        mounted on the arms 40 of the first framework 4; and    -   several beams 61 extending between the sidepieces 60, fixed on        said sidepieces 60, protruding on either side of the beams 60        and designed to support the solar collectors.

The sidepieces 60 and the beams 61 are for example made up of metalprofiles of the same type as those forming the pylon 2. It is alsopossible to provide a platform without beams 61, but rather with severalsidepieces 60 placed side by side.

In the first embodiment, the second framework 5 also includes two pairsof guy ropes 71 a, 71 b and 72 a, 72 b positioned on either side of thevertical axis of rotation AV symmetrically, each pair of guy ropescomprising an upper guy rope 71 a , 72 a fixed on a sidepiece 60, inthis case the upper sidepiece, and a lower guy rope 7 fixed on the othersidepiece 60, in this case the lower sidepiece, said guy ropes 7extending orthogonally to the support plane and each having:

-   -   a central part fixed on the corresponding sidepiece 60; and    -   two opposite free ends connected to the corresponding sidepiece        60 by connectors 70, in particular of the tension rope, rigid        rod or metal profile type.

The first pair of guy ropes 71 a , 71 b is positioned on one side of thevertical axis of rotation AV (on the left in FIG. 2), while the secondpair of guy ropes 72 a , 72 b is positioned on the other side of thevertical axis of rotation AV (on the right in FIG. 2).

To ensure the rotation of the second framework 5 on the horizontal axisof rotation AH, each tracker support system 1 comprises a motorizeddrive system 8 (shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7 for the firstembodiment, and in FIGS. 9 and 12 for the second embodiment), including:

-   -   two ring gear sectors 80 positioned on either side of the        vertical axis of rotation AV and extending in two planes        orthogonal to the horizontal axis of rotation AH, said ring gear        sectors 80 being mounted pivoting on the arms 40 of the first        framework 4 around the horizontal axis of rotation AH;    -   two drive pinions 81 positioned on either side of the vertical        axis of rotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear        sectors 80;    -   a transmission shaft 82 rotatably mounted on the first framework        4 and having free ends on which the two drive pinions 81 are        securely mounted for synchronous rotation of said drive pinions        81;    -   a rotary engine 84 rotating the transmission shaft 82, said        rotary engine 84 being mounted inside a casing fixed on the        first framework 4; and    -   two crosspieces 83 secured to the respective ring gear sectors        80, said crosspieces 83 being fixed on the sidepieces 60 of the        platform 6 and having two opposite ends fixed on the two        respective sidepieces 60, such that said ring gear sectors 80        are fixed on the platform 6 using said crosspieces 83.

Thus, the rotational driving of the transmission shaft 82 leads to asynchronous rotation of the two drive pinions 81, which rotate, stillsynchronously, the ring gear sectors 80 and the associated crosspieces83, to ultimately pivot the platform 6 around the horizontal axis ofrotation AH.

In both embodiments, the first framework 4 includes two supports 46fixed on the respective free ends of the two arms 40 and each having twobearings, i.e.:

-   -   a first bearing 47 in which the transmission shaft 82 is        rotatably mounted, having specified that the free ends of the        transmission shaft 82 supporting the pinions 81 protrude        outwardly (opposite the vertical rotation AV) past the        corresponding supports 46; and    -   a second bearing 48 in which the corresponding ring gear sector        80 is rotatably mounted, such that the second bearings 48 define        the horizontal axis of rotation AH.

In the first embodiment, the support 46 is made in the form of a platenextending substantially parallel to the ring gear sectors 80 and inwhich the two bearings 47, 48 are mounted.

In the second embodiment, each support 46 includes:

-   -   a platen 49 extending substantially parallel to the ring gear        sectors 80 and in which the first bearing 47 is mounted; and    -   a yoke 50 fixed on the end of the beams of the corresponding        arms 40, secured to the platen 49 and in which the second        bearing 48 is mounted.

In the case of the second embodiment, the first framework 4 alsoincludes a reinforcing beam 51 connecting the upper ends of the arms 40,and more particularly connecting the yokes 50, extending substantiallyparallel to the horizontal axis of rotation AH.

In the first embodiment, the guy ropes 71 a , 71 b of the first pair arepositioned substantially at the intersection of the first crosspiece 83with the respective sidepieces 60, while the guy ropes 72 a , 72 b ofthe second pair are positioned substantially at the intersection of asecond crosspiece 83 with the respective sidepieces 60.

In both embodiments, from the geometric perspective, the ratio of thelargest ground print distance DE to the zenith height HZ is comprised ina span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from0.8 to 1.2, which means that:

0.5 HZ≦DE≦1.5 HZ;

or 0.8 HZ≦DE≦1.2 HZ;

or further DE=HZ.

In the particular case of the first embodiment, the ratio of the heightHP of the pylon 2 to the zenith height HZ is comprised in a span rangingfrom 0.5 to 0.9, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.7 to 0.8, whichmeans that:

0.5 HZ HP 0.9 HZ;

or 0.7 HZ HP 0.8 HZ.

Furthermore, the platform 6 defines a support surface area of the solarcollectors comprised between approximately 40 and 100 m², preferablybetween approximately 50 and 75 m². The zenith height HZ may becomprised between 2 and 5 m.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the horizontal axis ofrotation AH is separated from the vertical axis of rotation AV by adistance E such that the second framework 5, and therefore the platform6, can pivot around the horizontal axis of rotation AH until the supportplane, and therefore the solar collectors, are vertical (as illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7 for the first embodiment) without the platform 6 cominginto contact with the pylon 2, or more generally without the secondframework 5 coming into contact with the first framework 2.

Of course, the example embodiment described above is in no way limiting,and other improvements and details may be added to the tracker supportsystem according the invention, without going beyond the scope of theinvention, where other assembly forms of the frameworks may for examplebe used.

1. A tracker support system for a solar collector, of the type that canbe oriented along two axes of rotation, a vertical axis of rotation anda horizontal axis of rotation, respectively, and comprising: a fixedstructure for anchoring to the ground exhibiting several groundanchoring points, said anchoring points defining a ground anchoringplane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation and being separatedfrom one another in the ground anchoring plane by predetermineddistances called ground prints, including a larger ground print distanceestablished between at least two anchoring points that are furthestapart; and a movable structure comprising: a first framework mountedrotatably on the fixed structure along the vertical axis of rotation;and a second framework defining a support plane for the solar collectorsand mounted rotatably on the first framework along the horizontal axisof rotation, said horizontal axis of rotation extending to apredetermined distance, comprising a zenith height, from the anchoringplane; wherein a ratio of the largest ground print distance to thezenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5.
 2. Thetracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the fixed structurecomprises a pylon having feet on which the anchoring points are providedand extending over a predetermined height from the ground anchoringplane, the ratio of said height of the pylon to the zenith height beingcomprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 0.9.
 3. The tracker supportsystem according to claim 2, wherein the pylon has: four feet separatedfrom each other and defining the four corners of a rectangle or square,said feet having respective lower ends defining four ground anchoringpoints; and a mast topping said feet, which extend toward the outside ofthe mast.
 4. The tracker support system according to claim 2, whereinsaid pylon is made up of an assembly of metal profiles having a lengthsmaller than approximately 3 m, a transverse section whereof thedimensions are smaller than approximately 150 mm by 150 mm, said metalprofiles being assembled by screwing, bolting or riveting.
 5. Thetracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the fixed structureincludes a ring gear on which the first framework is rotatably mountedalong the vertical axis of rotation, and several feet distributed on theperiphery of the ring, and defining the ground anchoring points.
 6. Thetracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the secondframework includes a platform defining the support plane for the solarcollectors and at least two guy ropes positioned on either side of thevertical axis of rotation, each guy rope extending substantiallyorthogonally to said support plane and having a part fixed on theplatform and at least one free end connected to the platform usingconnections comprising at least one of a tension rope, rigid rod ormetal profile.
 7. The tracker support system according to claim 6,wherein each guy rope extends on either side of the platform and has twoopposite free ends connected to the platform using connections, each guyrope having a central part fixed on the platform.
 8. The tracker supportsystem according to claim 6, wherein the at least two guy ropes comprisetwo pairs of guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis ofrotation.
 9. The tracker support system according to claim 1, whereinthe second framework includes a platform defining the support plane ofthe solar collectors and which comprises: at least two sidepiecessubstantially parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation and rotatablymounted on the first framework; and several beams extending between thesidepieces, fixed on said sidepieces and designed to bear the solarcollectors.
 10. The tracker support system according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least three anchoring members, configured to cooperatewith the ground anchoring points to anchor the fixed structure in theground, said ground anchoring members being designed to penetrate theground and anchor the tracker support system.
 11. The tracker supportsystem according to claim 1, wherein the first framework includes atleast two arms secured to each other and rotatably mounted on the fixedstructure.
 12. The tracker support system according to claim 12, whereinthe two arms form a V-shaped structure.
 13. The tracker support systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the first framework includes two supportsfixed on the upper ends of the two arms, respectively, and each having afirst bearing and a second bearing in which the transmission shaft andthe corresponding ring gear sector are respectively rotatably mounted.14. The tracker support system according to claim 1, comprising amotorized system for rotating the first framework along the verticalaxis of rotation, including: a casing securely mounted on the firstframework; a rotary engine mounted in the casing and rotating an outputshaft; a worm screw secured in rotation to the output shaft of therotary engine; and an annular gear wheel fixed on the fixed structureand in mesh with the worm screw.
 15. The tracker support systemaccording to claim 1, comprising a motorized system for rotating thesecond framework along the horizontal axis of rotation, including: tworing gear sectors positioned on either side of the vertical axis ofrotation and extending in two planes orthogonal to the horizontal axisof rotation, said ring gear sectors being fixed on the second framework;two drive pinions positioned on either side of the vertical axis ofrotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors; atransmission shaft rotatably mounted on the first framework andsupporting the two drive pinions for synchronous rotation of said drivepinions; and a rotary engine rotating said transmission shaft andmounted on the first framework.
 16. The tracker support system accordingto claim 1, wherein the second framework defines a support surface areafor the solar collectors comprised between approximately 40 and 100 m².17. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein thehorizontal axis of rotation is separated from the vertical axis ofrotation by a predetermined distance such that the second framework canbe moved into a position in which the support plane is vertical.
 18. Asolar assembly including a tracker support system according to claim 1,and solar collectors supported by the second framework of the trackersupport system.